Overview
- Act: Convention for the Establishment of the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (1994)
- Formed: 1996
- CEO: Mukasa Tom Bukenya
The Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO) is a specialized institution of the East African Community (EAC), established in 1994 and operational since 1996. It promotes sustainable management and conservation of Lake Victoria’s fisheries resources shared by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. LVFO focuses on harmonizing policies, conducting research, and ensuring equitable resource use to support livelihoods, food security, and regional economic growth. By fostering collaboration among member states, the LVFO plays a critical role in combating overfishing, habitat degradation, and other challenges affecting Lake Victoria’s fisheries ecosystem.
CEO: Mukasa Tom Bukenya
Mukasa Tom Bukenya, Executive Secretary of the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization, is a fisheries expert with extensive experience. Formerly Uganda’s Commissioner for Fisheries Regulation, he is known for advancing research, combating illegal fishing, and fostering collaboration among East African nations to ensure sustainable
management of Lake Victoria’s fisheries resources.
Management Team
Mukasa Tom Bukenya
Executive Secretary
Susan Serwadda
Director, Finance and Administration
Dr. Robert Kayanda
Director, Fisheries Resource Monitoring and Research
Dr. Edward Rukuunya
Director, Fisheries Management and Development
Dr. Elysee Nzohabonayo
Director, Aquaculture Management and Development
Kefine Kerubo Oluteyo
Principal Internal Auditor
Emmanuel Natalis
Principal Database Administrator
Functions
- Policy Harmonization: Develop, coordinate, and align fisheries policies and regulations across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania for consistent management of Lake Victoria’s resources.
- Scientific Research: Conduct studies on fish stocks, ecosystems, and socio-economic factors to inform sustainable management strategies.
- Resource Conservation: Implement measures to ensure the sustainable use of fish stocks and protect endangered species in Lake Victoria.
- Capacity Building: Offer training and build technical expertise among fisheries managers, researchers, and community stakeholders.
- Data Management: Collect, analyze, and share fisheries and ecological data to support decision-making and policy development.
- Tackling Illegal Fishing: Develop strategies to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, ensuring compliance with regional regulations.
- Community Livelihoods: Support initiatives that improve the livelihoods of fishing communities and promote food security.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Engage local communities, government agencies, and private sectors in co-management and participatory decision-making.
- Habitat Restoration: Advocate for and implement actions to restore degraded aquatic habitats and protect critical breeding grounds.
- Regional and International Cooperation: Foster partnerships with regional and global organizations to enhance resource management and address transboundary challenges.
Important Links
Address & Contacts
- Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization Secretariat, Plot 7B/7E – Bell Avenue
- P.O. Box 1625 Jinja – Uganda
- lvfo-sec@lvfo.org
- +256 434 125 000